This Great Western Railway branch line terminus is set by the seaside and modelled in ‘OO’ gauge.
Gauge: ‘OO’ | Period: 1931 or 1960 | Region: Western | Operating team: Paul Warden and friends
Above: Relive the golden years of steam on the Great Western Railway at St John's. Jonathan Newton.
ST JOHN’S is a representation of a small town based on the South Devon coast and was built around a small harbour prior to the arrival of the Great Western Railway. This ‘OO’ gauge layout features typical Devon rolling hills and a sandy beach with a small fishing harbour making it a popular holiday destination during the golden years of rail travel.
The layout was built with the viewer in mind and features many scenes and items to look for rather than a exhibit to look at while listening to the sounds of the rolling waves and seagulls giving a realistic seaside experience.
The operation of the layout can be either in the summer of 1931 or 1960, with Great Western steam and later BR diesels alongside steam all fitted with prototypical sound which is used to enhance the viewing experience.
Over the viewing time you can expect to see local passenger workings, various freight movements, mixed parcels and milk traffic and sections of holiday express trains working through from London.
St John’s featured in HM195 – watch the trailer below and read the full feature with exclusive video here.
